Evaluation of a CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) Prevention Group

• In Event: Responses to Human Trafficking in the United States

Abstract

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a prevalent and consequential public health and criminal justice problem. A major problem is that, to our knowledge, no educational programs designed to prevent youth from becoming CSEC victims have been rigorously evaluated. The Boston-based My Life My Choice (MLMC) agency offers a 10-session program to youth who are identified as “at risk” for CSEC victimization and teaches other non-profit agencies throughout the U.S. to offer this curriculum in their regions. The curriculum is theory-based and was designed to educate youth about CSEC, how to recognize potential exploiters, and where to find support services. In this session we will present the results of an NIJ-funded evaluation of the MLMC prevention program. Presenters will provide data on the baseline characteristics of 300+ youth who attended the program and will also present data on what the youth reported that they were hoping to learn in the program at baseline. The evaluation is still in progress so follow-up data are not yet available. However, any preliminary results that suggest areas in which the program may be effective could be explored.

Authors

• Jennifer Paruk, Boston University

• Katherine Bright, Northeastern University

• Amy Farrell, Northeastern University

• Emily Rothman, Boston University